Numerical Modeling and Simulation of a Small-Scale Locomotive Powered by Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract

The adverse environmental effects of fossil fuels resulted in a sharp rise in demand for renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. Environmental pollution might be drastically reduced by using renewable energy sources. Various examples of solid oxide fuel cells being employed in locomotives exist in the literature. This work used numerical techniques to simulate and model a vehicle with eight wheels, considered as a small-scale locomotive powered by solid oxide fuel cells. The feasibility of solid oxide fuel cell-based locomotive was investigated through numerical modeling and simulation. The Matlab-Simulink platform, which includes an electrical system, an energy management system, and vehicle dynamics, was used to run the simulations. Four different locomotive configurations were created, (1) The mass of the locomotive (m) = 65000 kg, operating temperature (T) = 750°C, (2) m = 65000 kg, T = 1000°C, (3) m = 80000 kg, T = 750°C, and (4) m = 80000 kg and T = 1000°C. The performance parameters of the vehicle were recorded after the simulations. These factors are crucial for optimizing the locomotives’ design and operation since they provide light on their performance. Future locomotive design and operation may be influenced by the findings of this study, resulting in more environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation networks.